I received Rick Graham’s new album “Insideout” as a digital promo copy with no track numbers so subsequently I have no idea what order the album “should” be played in, mind you I probably would have forgotten to turn shuffle off anyway so I’ll just write about the tracks in an abstract order.

Insideout is a very eclectic mix of music which Rick told me in a recent interview was written over a period of time based on certain experiences for instance the track “Freefall” which is an amazing composition entirely comprised of tapped arpeggios was written about Joseph Kittinger, a US Pilot who has the record for his high altitude skydive. The cascading arpeggios depict the feeling of Kittinger’s 70000 feet jump flying through the atmosphere. This track is complimented by another track called “Edge Of The Earth” which is based on how Kittinger may have felt before the jump floating at high altitude. It is a great rock track, one of my favourites on the album with a fat driving rhythm and amazing lead playing. I reckon I could take the Pepsi Challenge on Rick’s playing, he really has a style and sound that is his own.

The title track “Insideout” is a rock/fusion ballad style track with nice chewy lead tones with nylon string acoustic backing. The little fills in this track are very Satriani-esque a little “Not Of This Earth” or something. It has a great section near the end which sounds very synth-like and then launches into an incredible outro solo.

Rick wanted to show that he is not just a rock guitarist so decided to include a Bach Fugue to show his classical side. Bach Fugues are very very difficult to play well so even if classical is not your cup of tea just listen to this track and listen to how all the different melodies weave in and out of each other. Now try to imagine playing all those melodies at the same time, seriously difficult and Rick does an amazing job.

Another track that shows Rick’s acoustic side is “Lullaby” written for his girlfriend to help her sleep and it sounds very much like Tommy Emmanuel, in fact you could be forgiven for thinking it is Tommy. It makes me very jealous to be able to play acoustic guitar this well! Really beautiful track with interesting chord changes that take elements from Classical music.

Rick Graham is an exceptional guitar player and this album shows every side of his playing from Rock to Fingerstyle to Classical. You can order the album “Insideout” through his website here – http://www.rick-graham.co.uk.

Check out my interview with Rick about “Insideout” here.

Also check out Rick’s YouTube Channel here – http://www.youtube.com/starlinginspector